Album Review: Donal Scullion – Superpowers

Donal Scullion is a name any keen gig goer will have come across at least once over the past ten years, and if they don’t know the name alone, they will probably have seen one of his many projects without even knowing. The most recognisable of these projects would be the fantastic NI Soul Troop; best known for their original brand of funky, jazzed-up soul music. This is one man who does not sit still. As a writer, singer, arranger and composer, Scullion has progressively honed his craft working as a session musician for many other local artists, while at the same time developing and flavouring his own song writing with elements of Folk, Jazz, Soul, Punk, and Country. It is this musical dexterity which has so confidently led to his first solo project, and his debut album “Superpowers”.

The horn section test their keys, the opening track ‘When The Good Times Come’ pushes the album off with a playful yet qualified tone. With a lazily hypnotic rhythm this song conjures images of an offbeat Harlem jazz club; people swaying gently with well blended martinis in their hands, and a peaceful smile on their faces like they’ve just been told that tomorrow will be one of the best days of their lives. The song moves serenely. The drums keep the drift mellow throughout while a lively saloon piano sounds the breakdown. The vocals are strong but relaxed and horns float lazily over head like summer clouds. A strong opening tune which now has me settled in and curious about the music to follow.

The next track ‘Eggshells’ holds a more solemn  tone with a hooky five note run down amplified in places by light string arrangements and well executed backing vocal harmonies. Combined with strings, the track is fully equipped with saxophone, trombone, and trumpet; each dipping into the music in turn and adding to its flavour. The repeated line “Well you know I love you but sometimes I feel like something’s wrong” creates a soberly reflective track that is thoroughly enjoyable to listen to.

The album’s sound sways somewhere beautifully between the softer jazz styles of Jamie Callum and Harry Connick Jnr. There is a lot to be found in this musical valley and Scullion has not only found it but championed it. The next track is possibly the most energetic of the album; ‘What Have You Done For Me Lately’ kicks into an upbeat soft Ska groove which hops and bops you into the altogether different vibe of the next track. ‘When is it going to change’ opens with deep voodoo style drums and reminds me of a timeless Marvin Gaye classic. The song has an unhurried tempo which, together with a call-and-repeat vocal style, mirrors the very essence of the Soul and Classic R&B genres which it has clearly taken its inspiration from. The drums ride this song and the horns supply the nitro. The backing vocals add a subtle Motown vibe which emphasises its roots, while a floating bass line dances around the inside. A very intelligent and gratifying number.

‘(Last Time I Take A) Bottle on a Date’ offers a soft swing lounge style and a comical anecdote which compares drink bottles to women! Scullion using clever and entertaining lyrics which tell the story of a heavy drinker who keeps trying to break-up with his ‘lady’ bottle…  ‘I woke up in the bathroom of a house I didn’t know, well it was one of those parties so the people let it go’ (A few of us have been to that party and Donal is doubtfully an exception!).

‘Sometime I’ll Be Gone (feat Suzy Coyle)’ is the only duet on the album and keeps our interest cruising into ’Disillusioned Angel’; Complete with a breakdown of melodic ‘Halleluiah’ chants, this track has an assertive and sexy bass riff which acts like the song’s pulse and sounds like something that I would expect to find on one of my old Bill Withers records.  A sultry song with a darker beat.

‘Tables In Bars’ and the album’s title track ‘Superpowers’ both ably conclude the album. The former being a cheery and charming send-off song in itself involving drinking heavily to one’s health and lying on tables in bars. As for the final track ‘Superpowers’… One has to nod to the arrangement of this song. It’s a reflection from the first chord.  It’s a walk, it’s a think, it’s a question, and it’s a decision. The lyrics toy innocently with the idea of superpowers but what they say are of no concern. The strings so beautifully accent the melody that it’s impossible not to stir the bravest of listeners. This is the song that presents Scullion’s vocal ability best in my opinion, from its sharp silky gravel to soft angelic highs. A soothing and well composed song which will have you reaching for the ‘Repeat’ button on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

In its entirety the album ‘Superpowers’ is a very welcomed breath of fresh air. As someone who is currently wading through the overpopulated swamp that is the local Indie Rock music scene, it is my opinion that there is simply not enough music like ‘Superpowers’ being made at the moment, and when you find it you embrace it. The album is as affirming in its achievements as it is enchanting through its own performances. The styles explored in the album are most of all, before anything else, mature and confident. I for one wish to congratulate Donal Scullion for the collection of works he has created here.

The ‘Superpowers’ album launch will take place at The Mac on Sunday 21^st June at 7:30pm.